Recap of the best of NADA 2024

"Wow" is the initial sentiment that springs to mind when reflecting on this year's remarkable showcase. National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show in Las Vegas, Nevada, left an indelible impression on me.

I must begin this article by commending the dealers who graced the event with their presence. As a keen observer of people, I'm always attuned to body language and posture. I couldn't help but be thoroughly impressed by the dealers in attendance. Every individual I had the privilege of observing appeared to be in a state of genuine discovery. Dealers were actively engaged, diligently taking notes, and posing thought-provoking questions regarding products and solutions that promised tangible improvements in their operations, encompassing people, processes, and technology.

Based on my observations, it's abundantly clear that the industry's future is exceptionally promising and brimming with optimism.

Now, let's delve into the products and solutions that left the most lasting impression on me. This list is not arranged in any particular order; these are the companies that stood out with their remarkably innovative products and solutions, tailored for forward-thinking dealers committed to elevating and refining their operations.

• M1 Data & Analytics has been a company that I have closely followed for many years, and as a marketer, I have consistently admired their unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the accessibility of consumer data. Their latest offering, Traffic Alert, stands out as a testament to their innovative approach. By harnessing enriched consumer data and employing remarkably effective predictive models, M1 Data & Analytics empowers dealers and agencies to effortlessly generate audience data for a wide range of fixed ops and sales campaigns. This forward-thinking company has truly mastered the art of simplifying complex data processes, enabling marketers like myself to make data-driven decisions with ease. M1 Data & Analytics has not only caught my attention but has also earned my respect for their continuous dedication to improving the marketing landscape. Shot out to Gregory Ashe and Russell Gentry
• Lotlinx, Inc. stands out as a leader in the automotive industry, providing an unparalleled VIN-specific marketing solution. Their unwavering dedication to assisting dealers in comprehending analytics and market data at the VIN level, and subsequently leveraging that information to craft real-time, distinctive VIN-specific marketing strategies, is truly commendable. If you're in search of the most user-friendly and effective method to promote your inventory while benefiting from remarkable market insights, I highly recommend exploring the offerings of this exceptional company. Shot out to Derek Mah , Jason Knight and Len Short
• iPacket is making a significant impact by enabling dealerships nationwide to consistently convey the value of each vehicle in their inventory through a highly impressive, process-driven technology. Furthermore, their latest Recon solutions are offered at an exceptionally competitive price point, making it an obvious choice for dealerships of any size. I've emphasized time and again that customers are drawn to the narrative surrounding a vehicle before they make a purchase. Unfortunately, this art of storytelling has been lost by many dealerships. iPacket has effectively addressed this issue, and without a doubt, this is a product I would enthusiastically implement in my own dealership. Shot out to Andrew Breedlove and Seve Astorg
• ActivEngage is at the forefront of ensuring that human interactions remain at the core of dealership conversations, all the while bolstering these interactions with cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies. I firmly stand by the belief that technology should complement rather than replace our human touch, especially in an industry that is fundamentally built on personal connections. Equipping people with the right technological tools for conversation support leads to two remarkable outcomes. First, it fosters the creation of relationships on a significant scale. Second, it fosters the development of a unique and genuinely interconnected experience. If you're in search of a conversational partner for your dealership, I highly recommend exploring what ActivEngage has to offer. Shout out to Ted Rubin , Carol Marshall and Eric Schlesinger
• DealerOn implementation of AI on dealership websites represents the utmost commitment to a customer-centric approach, harnessing advanced technologies to craft a distinct and influential online customer experience. For years, I've advocated that the most influential strategy is one that makes your audience feel truly understood and known. DealerOn has achieved a remarkable feat by integrating this strategy into the very first impression a customer encounters – your website. Their exceptional execution ensures that customers feel known and valued right from the start of their online journey with your dealership. Shout out to Bill Wittenmyer and Mike Martinez
• Lotpop, Inc. stands out as the foremost expert in merging data, technology, and coaching to enhance both used and new car operations nationwide. There is no one I would entrust more than them to collaborate with my dealership management team, devising and executing inventory and lead strategies that leave an indelible mark on a dealership's bottom line and culture. What sets them apart is the wealth of experience possessed by every performance engineer on their team, each boasting over 20 years of hands-on experience in new and used car operations. It's a known fact that technology tools are only as effective as the individuals who wield them. Far too often, I've witnessed dealers invest in excellent technology, only to receive a brief training session and then left to navigate it independently. Lotpop, however, is a standout in the industry as they genuinely partner with dealership management teams to deliver tangible, lasting results. Shout to Jasen Rice , John Anderson , Chris Keene and Brett Branstetter
• FUSE Autotech has achieved something truly remarkable. They've introduced a point-of-sale technology that effectively eliminates the frustrating interruptions and delays that have plagued the automotive sales process for so many years. It's truly deserving of a round of applause for what the dedicated team and leadership have accomplished. The modern customer's expectation for an automotive purchase experience is one of seamless continuity, not a series of stops and starts. Instead of having customers ready to make a purchase and then having to tell them to wait while various preparations are made, such as paperwork or additional steps, those days are now behind us. Imagine a world where, when your customer is ready to buy, you are fully prepared to complete the sale without any unnecessary delays or interruptions. Shout to Alan Krutsch , Brig. General (Res.) Yaron Rosen and Rae Selvey
• Digital Dealership System has done more than just develop impressive dashboards and digital displays; they've pioneered a culture-transforming approach to how we view our marketing and dealership performance in real-time. Their technological solutions enable dealerships to effortlessly and cost-effectively monitor, incentivize, and retain their staff. If I were to own a dealership once more, you can rest assured that their solution would adorn all my screens, desktops, and mobile devices throughout my dealership. I seek simplicity and impact in a solution, and this company has delivered precisely that. Shout out to Todd Katcher
• Dealer Image Pro? | Automotive Merchandising is elevating your dealership's initial impression of its commitment to offering quality vehicles to an entirely new level. There are numerous details that can be conveyed through images, often proving challenging to articulate through words alone. These pictures vividly narrate your dealership's dedication to selling top-notch vehicles in the market. Unfortunately, as an industry, we tend to overlook one of the most crucial aspects of the initial impression customers have of us. I greatly admire the partnership approach that the Dealer Image Pro? team has incorporated into their solution. Having a partner like them on my side, ensuring that my dealership consistently delivers the finest possible experience, would undoubtedly boost my confidence in our first impression. Shout out to Peter A. Duffy Jr. and Louis Norman III
• TradePending offers a versatile suite of remarkable tools that streamline dealership processes and elevate the overall customer experience. Whether you opt for one or all of their solutions, you can rest assured that your website will exhibit improved conversion rates, and your sales team will feel empowered to engage with customers in entirely new ways. I particularly admire their customer-centric approach to vehicle trade valuation, which stands out as one of the most customer-oriented methods I've encountered to date.Their video solution, Snapcell (Acquired by TradePending) , has always held a special place in my list of favorite video communication tools within the automotive realm. I still recall recording my first video as a salesperson back in 2001, using a Kodiak FlipCam. Had I possessed this technology back then, I believe I would have been unstoppable. But TradePending doesn't stop there; they also excel in next-level lead generation for FixedOPS with their Fixed Ops Digital (Acquired by TradePending) . As someone who is deeply passionate about fixed ops, the department that absorbs 100% of dealership expenses but receives less than 5% of the marketing budget, I truly appreciate how the team at TradePending has made it remarkably easy to retain and attract customers into dealership service bays. Shout out to Matthew Davis

Ok thats it... That's my list for this year

I want to extend my apologies if your company didn't make it onto this year's list at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) 2024 show. With the vast number of booths to explore, I could only cover so much ground.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making NADA 2024 an incredible experience.

Dealers, the choices you face in selecting the right companies to partner with can be overwhelming. I hope that this list has helped simplify your decision-making process in some way.